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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: EELS Mission
Mains level: NA
NASA is developing a snake-like robot- Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS), which it says can boost space exploration through its diverse adaptability to various terrains.
Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS)
| Details | |
| Purpose | Designed to explore internal and enclosed dynamic terrain structures to assess evidence for life. |
| Focus | To explore ocean-world-inspired terrain, and besides Enceladus, it can explore Martian polar caps and descending crevasses in Earth’s ice sheets. |
| Enceladus and EELS system | Enceladus is a small and icy body, and the Cassini spacecraft dubbed it to be one of the most scientifically interesting destinations in the solar system. |
| Scientific investigations | Work is underway to identify high-priority and high-impact scientific investigations to show the capabilities of the snake-like robot. |
Features of EELS Robot
| Details | |
| Propulsion and gripping mechanism | EELS robot has an actuation and propulsion mechanism, driven by power and communication electronics.
It uses a rotating propulsion unit that acts as tracks, while the gripping mechanism and propeller unit help it to access a plume vent exit. |
| Adaptability | The robot’s adaptability to various terrains and its unique features make it capable of exploring areas that were once inaccessible. |
| Enceladus | Geyser-like jets spew water vapor and ice particles from an underground ocean beneath Enceladus’s icy crust, making it a promising lead for NASA in its search for life. |
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